Two Things to Remember that Save Lives

Driving
in America is, in most places, an essential part of daily life.
Whether it’s a morning commute, a trip to the grocery store, or any
number of errands, it seems just about everyone will spend a large
portion of their life behind the wheel. With driving such an integral
part of the daily routine, it’s easy to forget just how dangerous
it can be, which leads to a lax attitude and potential accidents.
It’s important to remember that tens of thousands of people die
each year due to such negligence. Luckily however, countless people
could be saved in the future with drivers ed and greater
mindfulness.

Driver
education is one of the most important things for keeping people safe
on the road. This paramount program teaches drivers not just the
rules of the road written in law, but the more informal, yet no less
essential, rules as well. It’s one thing to know what to do at a
yield sign and another to know the safest following distance at 55
m.p.h. in the rain. Staying safe on the road, for both yourself and
others, isn’t just following the letter of the law, and driver
education does an excellent job of teaching drivers that.

I
have experienced first-hand how negatively becoming complacent and
not following the rules taught in drivers ed can impact the
safety of myself and everyone around me. About a year ago, I had just
gotten to the point of driving myself twenty minutes to school each
day. I let myself fall into the routine, and before I knew it, I was
barely paying attention to driving, instead planning my day or
talking with the person riding with me. Each day turned out fine, and
I found myself caring less and less about the rules I was taught.
Afterall, nothing had happened, and nothing would happen…right? It
wasn’t long until I got into an accident, slamming into another car
at an intersection that had escaped my inattentive notice. Luckily,
no one was hurt, but the experience served as a wake-up call for me.
I realized that no matter how routine or safe inattentive driving
felt, this feeling only distracted from the reality- that only
careful mindfulness prevents the accidents that send tons of steel
crashing together, where it’s impossible to know who will be caught
in the middle.

In
conclusion, there are two main things that are of utmost importance
for ensuring the safety of yourself and others on the road. First,
heed what can be learned from drivers ed- not just the bare
minimum required to pass the test, but the unwritten rules too.
Second, though it’s okay to be relaxed while driving, it’s never
okay to forget the very real dangers of driving, or neglect to give
these dangers the respect and consideration they require. Follow
these two simple things and you can do your part in saving lives.
Automobile accidents are a major cause of death in America, but they
don’t have to be.